After A Year Without God, Former Pastor Ryan Bell No Longer Believes

[Orrex]

74. That is not my claim at all, so I have no reason to defend that claim.

I have stated repeatedly that I defer to the Hosts. If he Hosts determine that the discussion is out of place, I trust that they will lock it. If I post something that is considered unacceptable, I trust that a jury will hide it.

Nothing about my position can be paraphrased as "I should be able to say whatever I like." Why would you misrepresent my position in this way?

Also please be clear about something - I have what i consider to be evidence for the existence of God; it's just not demonstrable to you. I understand that my beliefs make me childish and arrogant in your eyes.

What is the nature of this evidence? Because I would assert that evidence that can't be demonstrated isn't evidence. Revelation, for instance, is not evidence. Personal reflection is not evidence.

Unique perception is not evidence. Internal realization is not evidence. Special insight is not evidence. More specifically, it is anecdotal testimony and far from compelling. And if you would suggest--as you have--that the existence of your God has a direct bearing upon me, then compelling evidence is indeed required.

As I've stated, a belief is childlike if it persists despite demonstrable/empirical evidence for that thing. The fact that you believe in something in the absence of evidence doesn't make that belief arrogant, though the particular nature of that belief and what it entails for others can certainly do so. Since you profess knowledge of God and the fact of his plan for me, but for which you can present no evidence, I find that belief to be arrogant.

Would you prefer that I use the term "empirical" rather than "demonstrable?" I'm comfortable with that restatement, if you are.